Ghosts of Painting Past by Sybil Johnson

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Ghosts of Painting Past

by Sybil Johnson

Series: Aurora Anderson Mystery #5
Series Rating:
Published by Henery Press on November 19, 2019
Genres: Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Holiday Mystery
Pages: 260
Format: Kindle
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Book Depository, Kobo

It’s Christmastime in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. The magic of the season fills the air as residents enjoy school concerts, a pier lighting ceremony, and the annual sand-snowman contest.

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rory plans on painting ornaments to sell at the local craft fair and joining in on the holiday fun. But she finds the season anything but jolly after the house across the street is torn down, revealing a decades-old crime. Past meets present when her father is implicated in the murder.
Fearing for her father’s future, Rory launches her own investigation, intent on discovering the truth and clearing his name.

Ghosts of Painting Past by Sybil Johnson is a marvelous mystery wrapped around a recently found skeleton and a recent murder in the beach resort town of Vista Beach.

Will Rory find out who is framing her father before it’s too late?

Rory Anderson

Rory is our sleuth, point of view character, computer programmer, and she is dating a local detective for the police force. Rory has helped the authorities in the past, but this time, her dad is the main suspect. So, she has to find out who is trying to cover up the 40+-year-old murder before her boyfriend arrests her dad. Rory investigates with the help of her best friend Liz and two of her elderly neighbors. Things keep her busy throughout the book, but with a little luck, the killer is dropped in her lap.

I liked Rory’s personality and how she handles certain situations during the story. Also, her friendship with Liz is nice. They really have each other’s back. I didn’t find much that I don’t like about Rory. I loved all of the characters.

Mystery and Story

The mystery is well put together. The clues were laid out perfectly with a few red herrings. I enjoyed the old case parts as well as the more recent additions.

I think my favorite part of the book is where Rory, Liz, and Rory’s parents are part of the town’s celebrations. They make time to help others, even while they are looking for clues.

Five Stars

I enjoyed the entire story from the mystery to the characters, the setting, and the history of the town. Ms. Johnson does a marvelous job of combining the past and the present. So, I am giving Ghosts of Painting Past by Sybil Johnson five stars. I highly recommend this book as it is brilliant.

Other Books in the Series

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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Ghosts of Painting Past by Sybil Johnson. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

Until the next time,

Happy Reading!

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2019 Cloak and Dagger
• 2019 Craving For Cozies Reading Challenge
• 2019 Cruisin' Thru The Cozies Reading Challenge
• 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge
• 2019 New Release Challenge

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